What is in this leaflet

This leaflet answers some common questions about Salpraz Heartburn Relief. It does not contain all the available information.

It does not take the place of talking to your doctor or pharmacist.

All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief against the benefits they expect it will have for you.

If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep this leaflet with the medicine.

You may need to read it again.

What Salpraz Heartburn Relief is used for

The name of your medicine is Salpraz Heartburn Relief. It contains the active ingredient called pantoprazole.

Salpraz Heartburn Relief is used for symptomatic relief of frequent heartburn and stomach acid complaints due Gastro-Oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD).

This can be caused by "washing back" (reflux) of food and acid from the stomach into the food pipe, also known as the oesophagus.

Reflux can cause a burning sensation in the chest rising up to the throat, also known as heartburn.

Frequent heartburn is when you have heartburn for two or more days a week. Heartburn that occurs frequently is a typical symptom of GORD.

Who should use Salpraz Heartburn Relief

Salpraz Heartburn Relief is recommended for adults 18 years of age and over, suffering from heartburn at least 2 times a week.

Salpraz Heartburn Relief is not the right medicine for you if you suffer heartburn only occasionally (one episode of heartburn a week or less), or if you want immediate relief of heartburn.

How Salpraz Heartburn Relief works

Salpraz Heartburn Relief belongs to a group of medicines called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).

Salpraz Heartburn Relief works by decreasing the amount of acid the stomach makes, to give relief from the symptoms.

Salpraz Heartburn Relief will start to suppress acid within a few hours; however it will not give instant symptom relief. You may need to take Salpraz Heartburn Relief for a few days before experiencing the full effect.

There is no evidence that Salpraz Heartburn Relief is addictive.

This medicine is available only from your pharmacist or your doctor.

Before you take Salpraz Heartburn Relief

When you must not take it

Do not take Salpraz Heartburn Relief if you have an allergy to:

any medicine containing pantoprazole

any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:

shortness of breath

wheezing or difficulty breathing

swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body

rash, itching or hives on the skin

Do not take Salpraz Heartburn Relief if you have severe liver disease or cirrhosis.

Do not take Salpraz Heartburn Relief if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.

If it is damaged, return it to your pharmacist for disposal.

Do not take Salpraz Heartburn Relief after the expiry date (EXP.) printed on the pack has passed.

If you take this medicine after the expiry date it may have no effect at all, or worse, an unexpected effect.

Do not take Salpraz Heartburn Relief in combination with atazanavir (an anti-viral medication).

Salpraz Heartburn Relief should not be given to children and adolescents under 18 years of age.

Safety and effectiveness of Salpraz Heartburn Relief in children has not been established.

If you are not sure whether you should start taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief alone or in combination with any other medications, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Before you start to take

You must tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

1.you have any allergies to:

pantoprazole

any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet

any other medicines, or any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes

2.you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, are breast-feeding or intend to breast-feed.

3.you have or have had any other medical conditions.

If you have not told your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, tell them before you take Salpraz Heartburn Relief.

Talk to your doctor first before taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief if:

you have taken heartburn/indigestion medication previously for 4 or more weeks continuously to control your heartburn

Methotrezate - a medicine used to treat arthritis and some types of cancer

Erlotinib or related medicines used to treat cancer

These medicines may be affected by Salpraz Heartburn Relief, or may affect how well it works. You may need to use different amounts of your medicine or take different medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist has more information on medicines to be careful with or to avoid while taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief.

How to take Salpraz Heartburn Relief

How much to take

The usual dose is one tablet of Salpraz Heartburn Relief per day (every 24 hours).

How and when to take it

Swallow your tablets whole with a little water with or without food.

Do not crush or chew the tablets.

Salpraz Heartburn Relief tablets have a special coating to protect them from the acidic contents of your stomach. For Salpraz Heartburn Relief to work effectively, this coating must not be broken.

How long to take it

Salpraz Heartburn Relief tablets should be taken for at least seven days, and up to 14 days. You should not take it for more than 14 days unless directed by a doctor.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking it as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some hints.

If you take too much (overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to casualty at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much Salpraz Heartburn Relief. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.

You may need urgent medical attention.

Keep telephone numbers for these places handy.

While you are taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief

Things you must do

Use Salpraz Heartburn Relief exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has advised.

Tell all doctors, dentists and pharmacists who are treating you that you are taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief.

Tell your doctor if you do not feel better while taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief.

If symptoms persist or recur within 2 weeks of completing the course, consult a doctor.

Your doctor may recommend further examination.

Things that may help your condition

Some self help measures suggested below may help your condition. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about these measures and for more information.

Alcohol -

you may be advised to limit your alcohol intake.

Aspirin and many other medicines used to treat arthritis/period pain/ headaches -

these medicines may irritate the stomach and may make your condition worse. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest other medicines you can take

Caffeine -

your doctor may advise you to limit the number of drinks which contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, cocoa and cola drinks, because they contain ingredients that may irritate your stomach

Eating habits -

eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eat slowly and chew your food carefully. Try not to rush at meal times

Smoking -

it is advisable for you to stop smoking or at least cut down

Weight -

you may be advised that losing some weight will help your condition

Side effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Salpraz Heartburn Relief, even if you do not think the problems are connected with the medicine or they are not listed in this leaflet.

Like other medicines, Salpraz Heartburn Relief can cause some side effects. If they occur, most are likely to be minor and temporary. However, some may be serious and need medical attention.

Do not be alarmed by the following list of side effects. You may not experience any of them.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice any of the following and they worry you: